‘Canes Ink Free Agent Andrew Poturalski to 2-Year Deal

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed NCAA free agent Andrew Poturalski to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Tuesday.

The deal sees Poturalski getting $700,000 at the NHL level in the first season, and $832,500 in the NHL next year, according to the team’s release. He’ll also get a $185,000 signing bonus.

“Andrew had an outstanding season with New Hampshire and attracted interest from numerous NHL teams, so we are thrilled that he chose Carolina to start his professional career,” said general manager Ron Francis via the team’s release.

“He’s a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill.”

The 5-foot-10, 22-year-old forward just finished his sophomore season with the University of New Hampshire, scoring 22 goals and 52 points in 37 games. That was good to have him ranked second in scoring across the NCAA. He sits behind only Michigan’s Kyle Connor, who has five more points in five fewer games.

He is the first NCAA player this season to depart for the pro ranks at the conclusion of his team’s season with NCAA eligibility remaining.

UNH’s season ended over the weekend when they lost game three in the first round of the Hockey East playoffs to Merrimack.

Poturalski will report to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL for the remainder of the season.

RELATED: Hurricanes Playoff Possibilities Withering